Patents by Inventor Charles A. Centofante
Charles A. Centofante has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230349500Abstract: A flow dampener for dampening pulsation in a fluid flow includes a body shell, a flexible membrane, and two flow ports. The body shell has an interior surface and an elongate groove formed on the interior surface. The flexible membrane is sealed to the interior surface of the body shell and covers the elongate groove. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is over-molded onto the body shell. The flexible membrane cooperates with the elongate groove to form an elongate flow path for the fluid flow. The flexible membrane has a thickness in a range from 0.5 mm to 6 mm. As the membrane is flexible, it vibrates as the fluid flows through the elongate flow path, absorbs kinetic energy in the fluid flow, and thereby dampens pulsation in the fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
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Patent number: 11644140Abstract: A flow dampener for dampening pulsation in a fluid flow includes a body shell, a flexible membrane, and two flow ports. The body shell has an interior surface and an elongate groove formed on the interior surface. The flexible membrane is sealed to the interior surface of the body shell and covers the elongate groove. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is over-molded onto the body shell. The flexible membrane cooperates with the elongate groove to form an elongate flow path for the fluid flow. The flexible membrane has a thickness in a range from 0.5 mm to 6 mm. As the membrane is flexible, it vibrates as the fluid flows through the elongate flow path, absorbs kinetic energy in the fluid flow, and thereby dampens pulsation in the fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: PIRANHA PLASTICS, LLCInventor: Charles A. Centofante
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Publication number: 20220049810Abstract: A flow dampener for dampening pulsation in a fluid flow includes a body shell, a flexible membrane, and two flow ports. The body shell has an interior surface and an elongate groove formed on the interior surface. The flexible membrane is sealed to the interior surface of the body shell and covers the elongate groove. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is over-molded onto the body shell. The flexible membrane cooperates with the elongate groove to form an elongate flow path for the fluid flow. The flexible membrane has a thickness in a range from 0.5 mm to 6 mm. As the membrane is flexible, it vibrates as the fluid flows through the elongate flow path, absorbs kinetic energy in the fluid flow, and thereby dampens pulsation in the fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2020Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
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Publication number: 20200062581Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to dispensing liquid materials. In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in apparatuses that include a container (203) coupled to an integrated pump cap (202), the integrated pump cap (202) including a pump coupled to an intake port to the container (203) and an output port configured to dispense liquids from the container (203) when the pump is activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
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Patent number: 10138881Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to a pump for dispensing precise quantities of fluids. In some implementations, a pump includes a pump head including one or more recesses configured to receive one or more corresponding roller elements; and a pump body including an input port, and output port, a first fluid channel, and a second fluid channel, wherein the first fluid channel is formed in part from rigid walls of the pump body and in part from a semi-rigid membrane positioned on at least a portion of the pump body; wherein the pump head is rotatably coupled to the pump body such that the one or more roller elements interface with the semi-rigid membrane such that during rotation the roller elements compress the semi-rigid membrane to push fluid trapped within the first fluid channel in the direction of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Piranha Plastics, LLCInventor: Charles A. Centofante
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Publication number: 20180180038Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to a pump for dispensing precise quantities of fluids. In some implementations, a pump includes a pump head including one or more recesses configured to receive one or more corresponding roller elements; and a pump body including an input port, and output port, a first fluid channel, and a second fluid channel, wherein the first fluid channel is formed in part from rigid walls of the pump body and in part from a semi-rigid membrane positioned on at least a portion of the pump body; wherein the pump head is rotatably coupled to the pump body such that the one or more roller elements interface with the semi-rigid membrane such that during rotation the roller elements compress the semi-rigid membrane to push fluid trapped within the first fluid channel in the direction of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2016Publication date: June 28, 2018Applicant: Piranha Plastics, LLCInventor: Charles A. Centofante
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Publication number: 20150176577Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to a pump for dispensing precise quantities of fluids. In some implementations, a pump includes a rotatable portion including one or more recesses configured to receive one or more corresponding roller components; and a base portion including a fluid channel including an input aperture and an output aperture, the fluid channel being configured to receive the one or more roller components, and a flexible membrane that provides a seal between the roller components and the fluid channel, wherein, the rotatable portion is rotatably coupled to the base portion such that the fluid channel includes one or more portions sealed by the flexible membrane and one or more roller components and wherein rotation of the rotatable portion causes the one or more roller components to traverse the fluid channel pushing fluid trapped within the fluid channel and the membrane in the direction of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2014Publication date: June 25, 2015Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
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Patent number: 8844771Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to a pump for dispensing precise quantities of fluids. In some implementations, a pump includes a rotatable portion including one or more recesses configured to receive one or more corresponding roller components; and a base portion including a fluid channel including an input aperture and an output aperture, the fluid channel being configured to receive the one or more roller components, and a flexible membrane that provides a seal between the roller components and the fluid channel, wherein, the rotatable portion is rotatably coupled to the base portion such that the fluid channel includes one or more portions sealed by the flexible membrane and one or more roller components and wherein rotation of the rotatable portion causes the one or more roller components to traverse the fluid channel pushing fluid trapped within the fluid channel and the membrane in the direction of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Piranha Plastics, LLCInventor: Charles A Centofante
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Patent number: 8662357Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a cap and valve assembly is provided including a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position; a toner path, which when open is configured to allow toner to flow from a toner container to an output aperture; and an air inlet path, which when open is configured to couple an air source to the toner container; where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path aid the air inlet path are open.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
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Publication number: 20140034681Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to a pump for dispensing precise quantities of fluids. In some implementations, a pump includes a rotatable portion including one or more recesses configured to receive one or more corresponding roller components; and a base portion including a fluid channel including an input aperture and an output aperture, the fluid channel being configured to receive the one or more roller components, and a flexible membrane that provides a seal between the roller components and the fluid channel, wherein, the rotatable portion is rotatably coupled to the base portion such that the fluid channel includes one or more portions sealed by the flexible membrane and one or more roller components and wherein rotation of the rotatable portion causes the one or more roller components to traverse the fluid channel pushing fluid trapped within the fluid channel and the membrane in the direction of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
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Publication number: 20130270303Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to dispensing liquid materials. In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in apparatuses that include a container (203) coupled to an integrated pump cap (202), the integrated pump cap (202) including a pump coupled to an intake port to the container (203) and an output port configured to dispense liquids from the container (203) when the pump is activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
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Publication number: 20130256341Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a cap and valve assembly is provided including a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position; a toner path, which when open is configured to allow toner to flow from a toner container to an output aperture; and an air inlet path, which when open is configured to couple an air source to the toner container; where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path aid the air inlet path are open.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
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Patent number: 8490893Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a toner dispensing system includes a toner container; a cap and valve assembly coupled to the toner container, the cap and value assembly including: a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position, a toner path, and an air inlet path, where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are open; an air assembly including a first air supply coupled to the air path of the cap and valve assembly and a second regulated air supply coupled to the toner container; and a control assembly for controlling the second air supply.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
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Patent number: 8453891Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed comprising an elongate body comprising a lumen and an output aperture near a distal portion thereof, a plunger positioned in the lumen and movable to a first position and a second position, and a toner path formed at least partially within the lumen and extending from a toner input to a toner path end located proximate the output aperture. When the plunger is in the first position, the output aperture is not fluidly coupled to the toner path. When the plunger is in the second position, the outlet aperture is fluidly coupled to the toner path such that a toner in the toner path can exit the valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
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Publication number: 20100254731Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a toner dispensing system includes a toner container; a cap and valve assembly coupled to the toner container, the cap and value assembly including: a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position, a toner path, and an air inlet path, where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are open; an air assembly including a first air supply coupled to the air path of the cap and valve assembly and a second regulated air supply coupled to the toner container; and a control assembly for controlling the second air supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
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Publication number: 20100254730Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a cap and valve assembly is provided including a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position; a toner path, which when open is configured to allow toner to flow from a toner container to an output aperture; and an air inlet path, which when open is configured to couple an air source to the toner container; where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are open.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
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Patent number: 7607221Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for housing an electronic device. In one implementation, a method of housing an electronic device includes positioning an electronic device on a base, over-molding a lid onto at least a portion of the base and a portion of the electronic device, the lid and the base comprising a housing for the electronic device, and over-molding a movable component to a portion of the housing. In another implementation a method for housing an electronic device includes positioning a housing for an electrical device within a first mold cavity of an assembly mold, the housing including a base and a lid, molding a movable component in a second mold cavity of the assembly mold, and attaching the movable component to the housing while both the movable component and the housing are within the assembly mold.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Piranha PlasticsInventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian Boothman
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Patent number: 7440285Abstract: Apparatus and methods for housing an electronic device are provided. In some implementations an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a base, an electronic device positioned on the base, and a lid positioned to cover the base and at least a portion of the electronic device. The lid and the base form a housing for the electronic device, the lid including a lid aperture, the lid aperture exposing at least a portion of the electronic device. The apparatus also includes a transparent portion positioned such that a first region of the transparent portion is positioned within the lid aperture and where at least a portion of the electronic device is covered by the transparent portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Piranha Plastics, LLCInventor: Charles A. Centofante
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Publication number: 20080158789Abstract: Apparatus and methods for housing an electronic device are provided. In some implementations an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a base, an electronic device positioned on the base, and a lid positioned to cover the base and at least a portion of the electronic device. The lid and the base form a housing for the electronic device, the lid including a lid aperture, the lid aperture exposing at least a portion of the electronic device. The apparatus also includes a transparent portion positioned such that a first region of the transparent portion is positioned within the lid aperture and where at least a portion of the electronic device is covered by the transparent portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
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Publication number: 20060092601Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for housing an electronic device. In one implementation, a method of housing an electronic device includes positioning an electronic device on a base, over-molding a lid onto at least a portion of the base and a portion of the electronic device, the lid and the base comprising a housing for the electronic device, and over-molding a movable component to a portion of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2004Publication date: May 4, 2006Inventors: Charles Centofante, Brian Boothman